Facebook Social Area
 

Adult.Social.Groups

Aspect currently facilitates an Adult Social Group based in and around Sydney's Inner West, as well as locality based Adult Social Networks for adults with Asperger's of High Functioning Autism (HFA) throughout NSW.

 

Adult Social Group

 

The Adult Social Group is for adults (18 years and over) who have a primary diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), of mild severity, and with no intellectual disability. This is defined in DSM IV as Asperger’s Syndrome and is also known as high-functioning autism.

 

The purpose of the Adult Social Group is:

 

  • to provide opportunities for participants to meet people and to experience social events in an environment that is mutually supportive and respectful;
  • to support its participants to form friendships and learn about other people who have a similar diagnosis;
  • to support participants to engage in the planning and running of their Social Group;
  • to provide a social focus. The group is not intended as a dating club or to be a counselling service. Although the Social Group facilitators may be able to offer some support with general issues, they may refer participants to other sources of support (e.g., social worker, psychologist, GP, etc.) if the matter is more complex or requires specialist knowledge and expertise.

 

The Group currently meets fortnightly on a Wednesday night from 7pm until approximately 9pm, with weekend activities occasionally scheduled in the calendar. In general, activities are based in and around Sydney’s Inner Western suburbs, although some activities may be further afield.

 

Please note: attendance to activities is entirely voluntary. Whilst some participants choose to attend every activity, others choose to attend an activity once in a while. Please feel free to join us for any activity that interests you.

 

Participants are expected to pay for their own activity costs and any other personal expenses incurred (e.g. food and drink). Approximate charges are indicated on the calendar. There is no charge made by Aspect for participation in the Adult Social Group.

 

Current Calendar

 

On occasions, the venue or activity advertised on the calendar may be changed. Every attempt will be made to inform all participants of this occurrence. Participants are encouraged to contact the Group Coordinator if they would like details of an activity confirmed, especially in the case of bad weather on a day that an outside activity is planned or if your details are not held on record.

 

Prior to attending their first Group activity, potential participants (or a representative, e.g., parent, Case Manager, carer, etc.) are requested to call the Group Coordinator to discuss your support needs and to ensure that the Social Group is appropriate for your needs.

 

Eligibility and entry  

Group rules  

Complaints 

 

For enquires regarding the Adult Social Group or for further information, please contact Caroline Smith, Social Group Coordinator on This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it   or 0409 603 582

 

 

Adult Social Networks

 

Through its Social Networks program, Aspect establishes social connections between adults with Asperger's /HFA. Connections are based on locality and common interests. Aspect works with new networks of individuals to set up routines and group rules, allowing these networks to be autonomous and self sufficient over time.

 

If you are an adult (over 18) with Asperger's/HFA, currently residing in NSW, and would like to be involved in a future social network in your area please click here to register your interest. We will then contact you if and when a group is starting up in your area to invite you to be involved.

 

We are also taking expressions of interest from people acting on behalf of someone with Asperger's/HFA, and also neurotypical volunteers who may be interested in assisting a group in their local area. Volunteers may be brothers or sisters of the participants, community members, professionals, or students. Click here to register your interest.

 

Areas for new social networks will be chosen primarily based on the geographical patterns of those who've registered their interest. Due to the large geographical range of individuals registering their interest, it is not possible at this stage to meet all demand or contact all registrants. If you would like suggestions of other services currently operating in your area please contact the Aspect Infoline on 1800 ASPECT (1800 277 328).

 

For enquires regarding the Adult Social Networks or for further information, please contact Annie Slogget, Adult Social Networks Coordinator on This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .